Perhaps it’s just the stress from my wedding (which is coming up in a week), but the tears flowed freely Wednesday night as the Man on the Couch and I watched as Kevin Skinner was crowned the winner of “America’s Got Talent.”

Runner-up Barbara Padilla has nothing to be ashamed of and a fabulous career ahead of her, but it was Skinner’s night to shine, and in his true, humble chicken-catcher way, he took in the night with a few tears (which he tried to hide), a grin and appreciation.

We also were impressed with Susan Boyle’s first performance in the U.S. as she sang her single, “Wild Horses.”

And as one great show leaves us, another is just around the corner. Bravo is ready to launch a new series of the original “The Real Housewives of Orange County.”

Unfortunately, they will be short one central character — Jeanna Keough. Although it appears that she starts the season, since she is included in the season five promotional photos, Reality TV World is reporting on its Web site that Keough doesn’t last the whole season due to problems with her real estate business. Apparently the current economic situation is hitting more than us “regular” folks in a bad way.

If Keough leaves, Vicki Gunvalson will be the only original housewife on the show. And I have a feeling the newest housewife, Alexis Bellino, is going to drive me nuts. She’s described by Bravo as “the modern day version of a 1950s housewife, taking on a very traditional role in her marriage. Even with three very small children and her extensive beauty regimen, Alexis still insists on always putting Jim and his needs first.”

I take that to mean she doesn’t have a backbone and dotes on her husband because she’s allowed to spend his money in return.

As for what’s coming up this week, “Dancing with the Stars” is set to debut season nine at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21. Oh, and I’ll be rooting for one of UFC’s greatest — Chuck Liddell. Let’s hope they do a tribute night to Patrick Swayze.